On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, former Tyler Grace Community standout and current Ouachita Baptist track athlete Aden Hecht joins the show after a championship performance at the Great American Conference Track and Field Championships.

Hecht won the 400-meter hurdles conference title with a time of 51.38 seconds, setting both a school record and a conference championship record. He reflects on the emotions of winning the title, the role his faith has played throughout the season, and what it means to see his hard work pay off after battling injuries.

The conversation dives into Hecht’s growth from his freshman to sophomore season, including the importance of taking care of his body, communicating with coaches and trainers, and learning when to push through pain versus when to recover. He also explains why he prefers the 400-meter hurdles over the 110-meter hurdles, describing the event as a test of toughness, courage, and who can handle the most pain down the stretch.

Hecht also looks back on his time at Grace Community School in Tyler, where he developed under a strong hurdle coach and won a TAPPS state championship. He shares advice for young hurdlers, talks about the persistence and courage required for the event, and discusses what comes next as he aims for the NCAA Division II National Championships.

Also in this episode, the show previews the state 7-on-7 football tournament featuring several East Texas teams and recaps the Oklahoma Sooners baseball team’s national championship run, including contributions from East Texans Gavyn Jones of White Oak and Reed Hensley of Lufkin.

On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, new Henderson Lady Lions head girls basketball coach and assistant athletic director Dee Lewis joins the show to talk about his move to Henderson and the next chapter of his coaching career.

Coach Lewis discusses the tough decision to leave Tenaha, where he spent three successful years leading the boys basketball program and building strong relationships with players, staff, and the community. He explains how a long-standing relationship with Henderson athletic director Coach Meeks helped bring him to Henderson and why the timing was finally right to make the move.

The conversation also dives into Lewis’ coaching journey across East Texas, including stops at Pine Tree, New Diana, Union Grove, Spring Hill, White Oak, Tenaha, and now Henderson. He reflects on the mentors who shaped him, his passion for making a difference in the lives of student-athletes, and his coaching philosophy of “coach them hard, but love them harder.”

Lewis also talks about the legendary Tenaha Holiday Hoops tournament, what makes it one of the top small-school basketball tournaments in Texas, and why the competition and community support make it such a special event every year.

Looking ahead, Lewis breaks down his expectations for the Henderson girls basketball program, which is looking to end a playoff drought dating back to 2018. He discusses the importance of discipline, ownership, accountability, defense, and trust as the Lady Lions work to build a winning culture and compete in a tough 4A district.

Coach Lewis also explains the transition from coaching boys basketball back to girls basketball, how his approach may change, and what Henderson fans can expect from his team: effort, toughness, character, and a group committed to getting better together.

On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, state champion anglers Porter South and Sam Cotton join the show after leading the Winnsboro bass fishing team to a dominant performance at the state championship on Lake Texoma.

South and Cotton brought in more than 42 pounds of fish, finishing well ahead of the second-place team and capturing the individual state championship. Winnsboro also took three teams to the tournament and won the overall school competition, adding another major accomplishment to the program’s strong fishing tradition.

The two seniors reflect on what it meant to go out on top, how their partnership came together, and the family influences that helped shape their love for fishing. South talks about fishing with his dad as boat captain throughout high school and having his brother, professional angler Pace South, in the boat for the championship. Cotton shares how his dad and grandfather helped introduce him to the sport and how fishing became a major part of his life.

The conversation also dives into the growth of high school bass fishing, the challenge of staying patient on the water, the role of technology like live scope, and what makes lakes like Lake Fork so special. South and Cotton also discuss the support behind the Winnsboro fishing program and how the community helps make the team successful.

They also reflect on the lasting impact of Kel Robinson, a former Winnsboro angler whose memory continues to inspire the team. South and Cotton talk about how Robinson remains part of every tournament and how his legacy continues to motivate Winnsboro anglers.

Finally, both seniors share what comes next after graduation, with South planning to attend flight school and Cotton heading to lineman school, while both plan to keep fishing in the future.